Ipswich Town continue to wait for the final piece of documentation that will extend Joanoi Donacien’s ‘biometric residence permit’.

Former West Ham defender James Collins has been training with Ipswich Town. Photo: PA

The St Lucia-born defender, 24, has been in England since 2001.

Special dispensation means his loan switch from Accrington Stanley will immediately become a permanent deal for around £750k once the application process, understood to be a mere formality, is completed.

As it stands Hurst is currently having to leave out one of his six loan players – Matthew Pennington, Trevoh Chalobah, Tayo Edun, Jordan Graham and Jon Walters the others – from his matchday squad.

It was Donacien who sat out the recent 1-1 home draw with Norwich, with Hurst having said he was hopeful his situation would be sorted in time for Saturday’s trip to Hull City.

Meawhile, veteran defender James Collins is still training with Ipswich Town – but there is no guarantee he will sign for the club.

The 35-year-old free agent has joined in a handful of sessions at Playford Road over the international break as both parties weigh up their next move.

Blues boss Paul Hurst has to decide if the former Welsh international is up to the physical standards he demands, while Collins has been happy to delay formal talks as he waits to see what other options may transpire.

Aston Villa, a club he spent three years at in between two lengthy spells at Upton Park, are reportedly ready to make an offer if they are unable to lure former England skipper John Terry back.

Terry, 37, was said to be on the verge of joining Spartak Moscow, though the latest reports in Russia are that he is set to complete a dramatic U-turn and rejoin Steve Bruce at Villa Park.

Collins was released by West Ham this summer but allowed to keep training with Manuel Pellegrini’s men. There was a suggestion at one stage that the struggling Hammers may re-sign him, but that deal did not transpire.

Sir Alf Ramsey was one of Ipswich Town and England’s greatest-ever managers. Some would say he WAS the greatest. Few reporters had the access to Sir Alf as former EADT/Ipswich Star and Green’Un editor TONY GARNETT enjoyed. Here are some of his memories